Coronary atherosclerosis can develop for years without causing symptoms.
The coronary arteries supply blood to the heart. Over time, atherosclerotic plaque can build up within their walls. This process may begin long before a person experiences chest pain or other signs of heart disease.
The Miami Heart Study examined 2 359 adults aged 40–65 years who had no cardiovascular symptoms. Researchers used coronary CT angiography to look directly at their coronary arteries.
Coronary plaque was found in 49% of participants.
Most did not have severe coronary narrowing. But the study showed how frequently atherosclerosis can already be present during middle age without producing symptoms.
This is why cardiovascular prevention should not begin only when symptoms develop.
Blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, body weight and other cardiovascular risk factors can help identify people at increased risk. In selected individuals, imaging can provide additional information about whether atherosclerosis is already present.
